Respiratory Therapist-Non Union; CRT​/RRT

Overview

Provide respiratory care services that are covered under the employee's limited license to practice respiratory care.

Duties that may be performed:

• Equipment storage, assembly, disassembly, and maintenance
• Gas cylinder transport
• Administration of oxygen
• Administration of hand held nebulizer treatments
• Instruction of incentive spirometers
• Instruction of metered dose inhalers
• Sputum inductions
• Subsequent applications of CPAP and BiPAP
• Blood gas analysis
• Pulmonary function testing
• Ventilator application and maintenance (only with direct observation by preceptor)
• Ventilator application and maintenance (without direct observation)
• Arterial punctures
• Hemodynamic line draws
• Manual ventilation during CPR and transport
• Naso-tracheal suctioning

Responsible for the safe and effective administration of medically prescribed medication, knowing their indications and contraindications. Knows and follows the indications and contraindications, the policy and procedures in administering therapeutic modalities to include IPPB, IS, USN, HHN, MDI. Sets up and monitors oxygen administration. Sets up oxygen cylinders and assures proper usage and safety measures are in place. Performs bedside PFT tests.

May be requested to perform tests in PFT lab following adequate training and/or orientation. Be a member of the “code team” responding to arrest situations. As part of the team may be expected to perform CPR (compression). Must be certified in CPR procedures annually. Daily/weekly preventive maintenance and calibration, quality controls of ABG and co-oximeter analyzers. Familiar with oxygen delivery systems (i.e., nasal, venturi mask).

Familiar with measuring devices to include, but not limited to, pulse oximeter, Wrights respirometer, oxygen blenders. Responsible for the set-up, safety check, monitoring, and troubleshooting of mechanical ventilators in collaboration with a respiratory therapist. Familiar with CPAP and BIPAP set-up and administration of CPAP and BIPAP. Maintains accurate and legible records, documenting clinical notes in patient's charts. Participation in reporting patient progress, and prioritizing patient condition to the next shift.

Proper documentation in department records. Participates in staff meetings, attends lectures, conferences, and seminars. Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards. Follows the hospital exposure control plans/blood borne and airborne pathogens. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.

Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter- and interdepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives.

Education (experience can be substituted for education)
High School Diploma or GED Required Associate's Degree in Respiratory Care Required Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of problem solving and decision making skills.

Working knowledge of digital literacy skills.

Outpatient services:

Pulmonary Function test (PFT)
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)
Stress test

Home sleep study

IN-Lab sleep study

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Holter monitor

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Six minute walk test

Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab:

Phase I-Initial assessment

Phase II-individualized plan including monitored exercises

Phase III-self-controlled long term maintenance

Licenses and Certifications Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, National Board of Respiratory Care Required

BLS Required

ACLS (cardiac and rehab staff) Required